The paper examines the behaviour of structural timber members subjected to axial compression or combined axial compression and bending. Based on experimental and numerical investigations, the accuracy of the existing approach in Eurocode 5 for the design of timber members subjected to axial compression or combined axial compression and bending is assessed and modifications are suggested. By means of extensive experimental investigations, a data base was created for the validation of calculation models and for the assessment of design concepts. In order to assess the behaviour of timber members subjected to axial compression or combined axial compression and bending, strain-based calculation models were developed.
The investigations indicate that the existing approach of Eurocode 5 based on 2nd order analysis can lead to an overestimation of the load-bearing capacity. Hence, a modified design approach was developed which agrees with the results of the Monte Carlo simulations very well and thus ensures a safe and economical design of timber members subjected to compression or combined compression and bending.